As the last few weeks of summer are upon us it’s time to squeeze in last-minute road trips, nights out with friends, back-to-school shopping and a heightened sense of anxiety. Anxiety? If you’re asking that question you probably aren’t a college senior, but if you are, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s that feeling of excitement over your upcoming graduation, paired with the dread of not having a job to walk into after your cap is thrown high in the air. It can be unsettling, and it can sneak up and try to sabotage your senior year, but it doesn’t have to.
I remember the feeling all too well, sparxsters. It feels like it was only a few months ago that I was standing in your position more than a little freaked out because I didn’t know where my life would take me a year, or even nine months, from now. But, keep in mind, if a human being can be formed in nine months, you can certainly find a job. Here are our top tips for ways to deal with your anxiety — and find a job in spite of it.
1) Reach out to your network.
Remember that even though you may feel alone in your overwhelmed state, there are thousands of other soon-to-be college graduates in your same position. In addition, this is an ideal time to lean on your family and ask them for help. Maybe your dad knows someone who is looking to hire a marketing graduate or maybe the husband of your cousin has the internship of your dreams at his company. (See “The Networking Tip That Will Make You or Break You“) Reach out to your support group for exactly that — support.
2) Consider an internship.
Sometimes it can be easier to get an internship after college rather than a job. It might not be a bad idea to angle for both opportunities. And, as an added bonus, if you don’t have to return to college after your internship, it makes it easier for a company to hire you if they like the work you’ve produced and want you on their team. Even if it’s an unpaid internship, it could be the key that unlocks your future career path. (See “7 Reasons Why You Should Start Your Career as an Intern“)
3) Sign up for a light semester.
If you can swing it, try to keep your last semester as easy as possible. You know that yoga class you’ve always wanted to take but never made time for? Now is your chance to do it. Or what about “The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll”? Sign up for that one, too. If you have to take an extra science class over winter break and crunch, it might be worth it in the long run. Not only will these classes help fill credit requirements, but they will offer you the opportunity to try something fun in college, and spend the extra time (when you’re not doing homework) to search for a job, set up informational interviews, etc.
4) Take a stress management class.
Many colleges offer a stress management class through their on-campus medical center. While you’re still in college, covered by insurance and have the opportunity to learn stress management skills, you might want to consider this. In addition to helping you learn different techniques, you also will have the increased likelihood of meeting others in your same situation.
5) Get your finances in order.
The good news is that even if your financial situation isn’t ideal, you still have nine months while you’re in college to help get it to a place where you want to be. This becomes all the more important when you factor in student loans. The good news is most student loans usually have a grace period of six to nine months (“Funding Education Beyond High School“), so that means you still will have some time post-graduation before the weight of your college payments kick in. Use this time to map out a budget and think about ways you can live more cheaply, if you haven’t already.
6) Remember to enjoy this moment.
Your senior year of college is something you will never get back. Focus on being in the present and enjoy this moment in life. Like everything else, it’s fleeting, and you don’t want to think “I wish I would have … ” when you’re working 9 to 5 and trying to climb the corporate ladder.
By incorporating these six themes into your senior year life, you will have an increased chance of feeling a little less stressed and a little more in control. Just remember, you’re not alone.
